Pasteurella multocida: bilateral septic knee joint prostheses from a distant cat bite.

We report a case of septic arthritis and bacteremia caused by the Gram-negative rod, Pasteurella multocida. The patient was superficially bitten by her cat, and within two years infection necessitated removal of both of her artificial knee prostheses. P multocida is found in the mouths of cats, dogs, and other domestic animals. The pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of infections caused by this organism, and the question of prophylactic antibiotics are discussed.